Dr. Achyuta Samanta, MP, Kandhamal in his maiden speech raised the issue of rail connectivity to Kandhamal, a longstanding demand of people of the district. Rail connectivity will certainly boost development, economic prosperity and tourism.
On 27th June during the Zero Hour in Lok Sabha, Dr. Samanta said, 39 years back the then Prime Minister of India had given assurance for rail connectivity to Kandhamal. Since then, no progress has been taken place on the project, even though survey and other procedures were done in this connection. He said, people of Kandhamal have longstanding dream to see the railway line to Kandhamal.
In this context, he drew the attention of the Union Railway Minister to take initiative for rail connectivity to Kandhamal. Particularly, he urged the Ministry of Railways for connecting Phulbani with Purunakatak through rail annex and thereby linking it to Khurda- Balangir line.